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Sunfire Cinema Grand or Earthquake Cinenova?

Are these amps as good as they look? I am kinda stuck right now. I own a Bryston 4B-ST. To complete the home theater I need to purchase another 3 channels (6B-ST). Or, I could sell the Bryston 4B-ST and for around the same price as the 6B-ST I could get a used Sunfire Cinema Grand (Signature?) or the Earthquake Cinenova Grande. From what I've read, they seem to have impressive numbers, but will they produce the goods? I do not have the ability to audition any of these amps. I need an amp that can produce the goods into low impedance while at the same time do justice quality-wise to my speakers, I am driving B&W Nautilus 804s and HTM-1 center. Right now I'm having to limp along with an Acurus 125x5--a good amp, but not able to deliver at higher volumes. Help would be appreciated. Thanks.
argent
gpalmer
174 posts
 
I have the Sunfire Cinema Grand which I am running with a pair of Legacy Classics for both home theater and music, and I have to admit that I am in seventh heaven. I am biamping the Classics with two channels apiece and using the fifth for the center.

I am not an "Audiophile" by which I mean that I have not listened to every piece of gear that is out there to find the "ultimate" component, nor am I that interested in doing so. but I do know what I like. Sean is right the Sunfire Cinema does not have current source for the center channel, only the mains. Another difference is that the Signature is rated down into 1 ohm (time limited basis), while the non-Sig is only rated to 2 Ohms.

As far as the amplifiers ability to get loud, the Classics are rated at 92 dB, and the Sunfire and them CRANK, and as Sean mentioned, the sound stays clean. to give you an idea how much I like this combination, I have another set of the Classics coming in for the rear channels (and that means another Sunfire to go along).

Hope this helps,
Greg
sean
6,231 posts
 
Hey Greg, we'll have to get together and compare notes. My Dad is running the CG with Legacy 1's (earlier versions of the Classic ) and Legacy Studio's for center and surrounds. After several different amps, this is the one that he likes best. I'm still working on dialing in his system in terms of cabling, etc... Mind if i drop you an email sometime soon ???? Sean
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gpalmer
174 posts
 
Not in the least, actually I'd love the dialog! I am working on cables at the moment myself.
kgb540
125 posts
 
Both would do your system well but the build quality of the EarthQuake is in another league compared to the Sunfire. If it were my system, I'd go with the Cinenova. Sonically you may notice slight differences here and there but the build difference between the two is great.
reedchan
9 posts
 
If you are interestd in the Earthquake Cinenova, I can sell you a brand new unit for the lowest possible price. This is a true muscle amp without peer. You should also check out their subwoofers, which are one of the great bargains anywhere for a world class subwoofer.
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